May 2024
Audio Recording Interfaces: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of audio recording interfaces rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 7 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 81 audio interface endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
60 audio interfaces were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 7 May 2024, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed audio interface with 5 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 audio interface' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Focusrite: 10 audio interfaces
(#1 is Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
-
Universal Audio: 7 audio interfaces
(#1 is Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII)
-
PreSonus: 5 audio interfaces
(#1 is PreSonus AudioBox USB 96)
-
Behringer: 5 audio interfaces
(#1 is Behringer UMC22)
-
Audient: 4 audio interfaces
(#1 is Audient iD4)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Audio Interface |
Music Radar
|
Wirecutter
|
EDM Sauce
|
Your Guitar Brain
|
Consordini
|
Sweetwater
|
Musician on a Mission
|
ElectronicsHub
|
bandpioneer.com
|
hollyland.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $200 |
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $100 |
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
4
|
- | $62 |
Behringer UMC22
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $189 |
UA Volt 2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
6
|
-1 | $996 |
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $119 |
M-Audio AIR 192|4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
+1 | $195 |
Steinberg UR22C
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
14
|
-1 | $129 |
Audient Evo 4
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $200 |
Motu M2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $299 |
Universal Audio Volt 276
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $599 |
Apogee Duet 3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
17
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | Check price |
IK Multimedia AXE I/O
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $270 |
Motu M4
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 #1 in May 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as #1.
Consordini
Best Audio Interface for Beginners
|
Extremely low latency guaranteed with the Direct Monitor circuit.
New “Air” button for adding brightness and openness.
Wired to protect against power surges that could damage the interface.
|
Uses a USB-C type cable instead of a normal USB cable, so it may not be easily compatible with older computers.
|
hollyland.com
|
The sound quality is excellent for the price point. Vocals come through crisp, and instruments have a nice warmth to them.
Build quality feels solid, and the design is user-friendly, which is crucial when you’re just dipping your toes into audio recording.
It’s powered by the USB bus, so there’s no need for an external power supply, which is less clutter on your desk.
Includes a suite of recording software, which could be a great starting point for newcomers.
|
It’s got only two inputs, so if you’re planning to record a full band, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
The USB-C connection is great, but you might need to update your cables if you have an older computer
|
We ranked PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 #2 in May 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 as #1.
EDM Sauce
|
Includes free downloading of more than 6 GB of third-party resources
Has high-performance instrument inputs
Features zero-latency monitoring
|
May face some compatibility issues with various software
|
Sweetwater
|
Value-packed interface perfect for beginners
Includes Studio One Artist DAW
2 combo inputs accommodate mics and instruments
5-pin MIDI I/O for connecting older MIDI devices
|
Channels share phantom power; for individual phantom power, check out the MOTU M2 in this article
Headphone jack is located on the back; the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo has a front-panel headphone jack
|
hollyland.com
|
The solid build makes it quite durable for travel and regular use.
It’s simple to set up, appealing to those who may not have extensive tech experience.
The audio quality produced gives more expensive interfaces a run for their money.
Can be very portable due to its small size, making it a versatile choice for on-the-go recording
|
The preamps are decent, but might lack the depth and warmth provided by higher-end models.
It might not offer advanced features sought after by seasoned professionals.
Limited inputs may be a hindrance for larger recording sessions
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend audio recording interfaces.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of audio recording interfaces, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking
Music Radar
Wirecutter
EDM Sauce
Your Guitar Brain
Consordini
Sweetwater
Musician on a Mission
ElectronicsHub
bandpioneer.com
hollyland.com
We ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII #3 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII as #1.
Consordini
The ultimate best audio interface in 2024
|
Built-in microphone for talkback when in the studio.
Comes with the Realtime Analog plugin bundle which has all you will need for basic mixing.
With Unison technology you can achieve high quality emulation of classic tubes, preamps, guitar amps, and microphones.
|
UAD plugins are ones you will have to pay for if you want more than just the Realtime Analog bundle.
Apollo audio interfaces are easily some of the most expensive ones on the market, this one is no exception.
|
hollyland.com
|
Superb preamp quality that imparts clarity and character to your microphone.
Real-time UAD processing allows for professional effects without latency.
Unison technology provides authentic emulations of vintage hardware.
Solid build quality with an intuitive physical interface.
|
It’s on the pricier side, which might be a barrier for budget-conscious users.
It requires a Thunderbolt connection, which might limit its compatibility with some systems.
UAD plugins, while excellent, can be expensive, adding to the overall investment.
|
We ranked Behringer UMC22 #4 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best audio interface for recording on a tight budget
|
Insane value for money
Perfect for beginners
MIDAS preamp sounds great
|
No dedicated driver
|
ElectronicsHub
|
Portable and durable
Great sound quality for the price
Comprehensive software included
|
Some driver issues
|
We ranked UA Volt 2 #5 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
We ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin X #6 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best for audio quality and DSP power
|
Top-quality mic preamps
Portable size
Channel DSP pairing
|
No thunderbolt cable included
|
Sweetwater
|
2 Unison preamps allow you to track through models of the industry’s most legendary hardware
Integrated talkback for easy communication and slating takes
Ultra-fast Thunderbolt 3 connectivity provides less than 2ms of latency and ample expandability
Includes a premium plug-in suite of 5 award-winning UAD plug-ins, along with the Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle with accurate emulations of vintage analog hardware
|
Limited to two Unison preamps; can be expanded by cascading multiple Apollo units via Thunderbolt
|
We ranked M-Audio AIR 192|4 #7 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
ElectronicsHub
|
Low noise floor for clean recording
adequate gain for gain hungry mics
|
Issues with headphone jack
|
We ranked Steinberg UR22C #8 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
Best USB Audio Interface for Money
|
ASIO, Core Audio, and WDM compatible.
Comes with Cubase AI and Cubase LE for iOS devices.
Has MIDI inputs and outputs for use with external hardware or transferring notes to a DAW.
|
The maximum headphone volume is a bit low.
The mic preamp is a bit weaker than others, so make sure you power it through the DC.
|
hollyland.com
|
The sound quality is top-notch considering the price bracket, giving you a detailed reproduction that makes it easier to mix and master tracks with precision.
Low latency performance is another feather in its cap, making recording and monitoring a breeze without any noticeable delay.
Another major win is its build quality; it gives off a professional vibe and doesn’t feel like it will buckle under pressure.
Compatibility with iOS devices is a huge plus for mobile producers or those who want to record high-quality audio on the go
|
It lacks some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, such as more input/output options or onboard DSP for running audio plugins.
It may require adapters or a specific setup to interface seamlessly with USB-A ports or older computer hardware, which could be a con for some users.
I’ve noticed the included software, while a great value-add, might have a learning curve for beginners
|
We ranked Audient Evo 4 #9 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
ElectronicsHub
|
Professional-level performance at an entry-level price
Innovative Smartgain function for quick and easy level setting
Loopback functionality for live streaming and podcasting
Versatile features for a wide range of recording applications
|
Some issues with the EVO Control app
|
We ranked Motu M2 #10 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
We ranked Universal Audio Volt 276 #11 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Top-flight analog circuitry and class-leading 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion
Selectable Vintage Preamp Mode employs solid-state electronics for tube-like dynamic saturation and clipping
Convenient input metering makes setting levels a piece of cake
Built-in 1176-derived analog compressor with 3 expert presets
|
Does not include onboard DSP for UAD DSP-powered plugins; the Universal Audio Apollo Solo features onboard DSP
|
We ranked Apogee Duet 3 #12 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Top-quality Apogee AD/DA conversion and digital clocking with pristine analog circuitry and thoughtfully engineered power management
2 world-class mic preamps with +65dB of gain, +48V phantom power, and Apogee’s Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture
Onboard hardware DSP enables you to shape your sound right at the input stage with zero latency
Includes a hardware-accelerated version of Apogee’s ECS Channel Strip
|
Not expandable via ADAT optical; the Apogee Symphony Desktop is expandable up to 10 inputs
Does not include a traditional starter DAW in its software package; shop DAWs at Sweetwater
|
We ranked IK Multimedia AXE I/O #13 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best audio interface for recording guitars
|
Dedicated guitar input
Handy re-amping function
Connect external pedals/switches
|
Onboard tuner isn’t great
Not for non-guitarists
|
Sweetwater
|
Axe I/O’s JFET input stage adds analog mojo to your incoming instrument signal
Z-Tone variable impedance optimizes your instrument for AmpliTube’s virtual amps and stomps
Dedicated re-amp output and expression pedal inputs
|
Does not include a traditional starter DAW in its software package
|
We ranked Motu M4 #14 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best audio interface for use with Ableton
|
High-quality preamps
Loopback capability
DC coupled outputs
|
Some Windows users reported issues
|
Sweetwater
|
ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology delivers 120dB of dynamic range and superb audio quality
Optimized drivers yield round-trip latency as low as 2.5ms at 24-bit/96kHz with a 32 sample buffer
Full-color LCD screen supplies convenient front-panel metering
2 great-sounding microphone preamps with individual gain and phantom power
|
Not expandable via ADAT optical; shop MOTU interfaces with ADAT optical inputs
|